NEWS EDITOR
STATE Minister for Works and Transport Joy Kabatsi has strongly reacted to a petition filed to the office of Inspector General of Government (IGG) by someone allegedly having a hand in Pioneer buses saying, awarding Hinduja Group a deal of supplying 980, the laws were not followed and incited Government influence.
Farouk Kayondo, assistant Spokesman IGG office confirmed that, “We received the petition and the IGG gave us a green light to investigate and we have kicked off and will give the findings very soon.”
The petitioner want deal blocked, a move rejected by the Hon. minister saying, there was no Government hand in Tondeka buses.
Speaking to News Editor Online, Minister Kabatsi said, “We don’t advertise. Any private investor, local or from outside the country who has the project and want to invest in Uganda, our laws are very clear, after fulfilling them he or she has a right and fully protected by the State to bring here the investment.”The minister said, as Government, they stop at putting guidelines.
“It is not government of Uganda buying buses, they will be supplied by Hinduja Group, internationally known private company based in India.” Said Kabatsi, adding, “As Government, we always encourage, invite and secure our investors and their investments.”
“We had local buses here if you can remember but failed to get the standards and have been breaking one by one.
In Uganda, all investors are welcome. As a country, we need a dependable public transport system.” Said, Kabatsi.
She told us, “For those fighting this very good project, if you have your buses, kindly bring them, because the country needs more than 980 Tondeka buses comming this September.”Last week, while briefing the Speaker of Parliament about the transtion plan from matutus to mass transport in greater Kampala, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Board Chairman TONDEKA Metro said, they welcome other buses provided they meet the specification.
